The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the world by storm. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of everything going on around us — all we need to do is take a quick look at our TV screens or social media feeds.
But now more than ever, we should shed some light on the “helpers” of our world.
Businesses all over have stepped up to the plate to make an impact. Both large-scale and small-scale companies have realized how influential this time is and want to use it to better their employees, customers and community at large.
In times like this, the actions of one person can have ripple effects on dozens of others, especially businesses. See for yourself:
- Walmart
- On March 18, Walmart committed $25 million to various organizations. This included $10 million for food banks, school meal programs and other organizations that provide food for underserved populations; $10 million to support local efforts around the US; and $5 million to help those with the virus in other countries.
- Brooks Brothers
- The retailer is converting its New York, Massachusetts and North Carolina factories to now manufacture masks and gowns instead of apparel. They plan to manufacture up to 150,000 masks per day on an ongoing basis, along with protective gowns.
- Amazon
- The company has ramped up their hiring efforts, creating 100,000 new roles and giving raises to those working during this time. They have also created a $25 million fund to help their delivery drivers and seasonal workers cope with COVID-19.
- Door Dash
- More than 2,000 grocery stores across the US are waiving their delivery fees for orders on Door Dash for customers 60 and over. Door Dash launched this initiative to help senior shoppers who are more at risk. The free senior deliveries will run through May 7.
- Texas Roadhouse
- Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, W. Kent Taylor, recognizes the economically challenging times that restaurant workers are facing. The CEO is forgoing his salary to pay the employees still working during this time. He agreed to give up his base salary between March 18 and Jan. 7 of 2021. The money will be used to pay front-line workers.
- Facebook
- At the start, Facebook focused their efforts on fighting the spread of misinformation by allowing the World Health Organization to place free ads on the social site while banning ads that promoted false “cures.” Now, Facebook has gone one step further by investing $100 million for 30,000 small businesses in 30 countries where their employees work and live. They are also giving out $1,000 bonuses to each of their employees to help them through this time.
- MealPal
- The leading lunch marketplace realizes the rapid decline in restaurant sales. They recently announced a $10 million initiative to drive donations to restaurants that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, anyone can donate a month-long MealPal membership to local restaurants in need.
- KFC
- With school closures comes the loss of federal school meal programs. KFC has donated $400,000 to a non-profit, Blessings in a Backpack, in order to help prevent child hunger. The donation will go directly to provide pre-packed “Blessings Bags” filled with food for school children.
- QDOBA Mexican Eats
- The fast-casual restaurant is committed to helping its franchise owners during this difficult time. They are offering a royalty deferral program for eight weeks which will help the franchisees protect cash flow during this unprecedented time.
- Scholastic
- Knowing that millions of children are currently stuck at home, the educational company has launched a “Learn at Home” website that has daily courses for students from Pre-kindergarten to grades 6 and higher. The website is divided into four sections per grade level. Currently there is five days of content, but Scholastic announced there will be an additional 15 added.
- San Francisco 49ers
- San Francisco has been one of the most heavily affected areas during the COVID-19 outbreak. The San Francisco 49ers announced that they will be donating $500,000 to support their workforce and the most vulnerable populations in the area. A portion of that money is going to feed children and the elderly in two of the surrounding counties.
Above all else, these businesses have made a difference — using their resources and power to better our current environment and help those in need. And, there’s plenty more where these came from. Just a simple Google search can bring you dozens of similar stories that will definitely pass the time inside a little quicker.
Look out for acts of kindness — they’re all around us, even in times like this. When we work together, we can empower one another and truly make a difference for the current state of our world.
Source: Facebook on Entrepreneur 3/18/20, MealPal on PR Newswire 3/19/20, QDOBA Provides Financial Relief, 49ers Coming Half Mill CBS San Fran 3/19/20, Scholastic on CNN 3/15/20, How Companies are Giving Back on Forbes 3/17/20, KFC Partners with Non-Profit 3/20/20, Texas Roadhouse CEO 3/27/20, Walmart on Retail Wire 3/30/20, Brooks Brothers Make Medical Supplies 3/30/20, Door Dash Delivery Fees 3/27/20
Photo Credit: Unsplash, KFC Partners with Non-Profit 3/20/20,Door Dash Delivery Fees 3/27/20
